A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) has found that essays written by real students significantly surpass those generated by the AI tool ChatGPT, particularly in terms of engagement and personal touch. The research involved a comparative analysis of 145 essays produced by university students and 145 essays created by ChatGPT.
Key Findings:
- Engagement and Personal Touch: While the AI-generated essays exhibited impressive coherence and grammatical accuracy, they lacked critical engagement markers—such as rhetorical questions and personal commentary—that made the student essays more interactive and persuasive. The study highlighted the importance of these elements in crafting strong arguments that resonate with readers.
- Impersonal Nature of AI Writing: The researchers noted that ChatGPT’s responses, although fluent, were often devoid of a strong perspective and failed to engage readers on a personal level. The AI’s writing tended to avoid questions and limited personal commentary, resulting in a less engaging experience.
- Educational Implications: Professor Ken Hyland, a lead researcher, emphasised the potential anxiety among educators regarding the use of AI tools like ChatGPT in academic settings. He expressed concerns that reliance on AI could undermine core literacy and critical thinking skills in students. However, the study also posits that AI tools can serve as valuable teaching aids when used appropriately.
- Thinking vs. Writing: The findings reinforce the idea that education should focus not only on teaching writing skills but also on fostering critical thinking—an aspect that no algorithm can replicate.
This study underscores the continued value of human creativity and engagement in academic writing, despite the growing capabilities of AI technologies. For more detailed insights, you can read the full article here: ChatGPT vs students: study reveals who writes better (and it’s not the AI).
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